KEY VERSE:Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

INTRODUCTION:
Still continuing His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes two major points in this passage. 1. Christians are to fast. 2. When we fast we are to do it for spiritual reasons and not for selfish-gain.

There are FOUR main reason people FAST. Only one is the the right way.
1. To gain a sense of God’s approval and self-approval.
2. To Gain religious recognition.
3. To fulfill a religious act.
4. To genuinely meet with God.

Fasting is a very important part of our Christian Walk. Through it we tame our bodies, we focus our attention on God and we learn to do without. But no amount of fasting in the world will ever get you as close to God as Jesus can!